Enterprise minister to lead trade mission to Japan
The Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke is leading a trade and investment mission to Japan, this week (June 2025).
The minister will be accompanied by Enterprise Ireland CEO designate, Jenny Melia and IDA Ireland CEO, Michael Lohan.
Two-way trade between Japan and Ireland now exceeds €21 billion, and Japan is the number one source of foreign direct investment into Ireland from the Asia Pacific region.
Minister Burke said: 'Trade promotion and market diversification are key government priorities, and I see significant opportunities in Japan for both Irish companies and FDI.
'This week, we are engaging with dozens of major corporations to highlight Ireland's global position as a stable location for investment, as well as helping Irish companies to build, scale and expand in this region.'
'Looking ahead, the relationship between our two countries is based on shared values and mutual respect and as minister, I believe our work in this regard will facilitate this relationship growing deeper and stronger in the years ahead,' the minister added.
Japan
According to the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Japan is a growing export market, with over 300 Enterprise Ireland clients doing business in Japan, and over 50 Irish companies having representations or presence in Japan.
Minister Burke will also meet IDA's potential and existing clients to set out the unique advantages of locating in Ireland to service a European marketplace of 450 million people.
He will meet with a number of Enterprise Ireland client companies seeking new opportunities for their world-class products and services and will hold a number of political engagements with his counterparts in the Japanese government.
Minister Burke will also visit the new Ireland House Tokyo, which is home to offices for the Embassy, Team Ireland, including Enterprise Ireland, Bord Bia and IDA.
During the second half of the week, the Minister will attend the Osaka Expo 2025.
The department believes that participation at Expo provides an excellent platform for direct public diplomacy and an opportunity to increase visibility of Ireland in the region.
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